Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’m reviewing my experience undergoing the NCTF 135 HA skinbooster treatment at the local aesthetic clinic DrPlus.
I’ve done skinboosters before, notably Rejuran at Gangnam Laser Clinic. While I’m sure it had the desired effects, the pain of the injector gun (and the resulting bruises) was a tad too off-putting for me. So when the time comes for a refresher – you’re supposed to do them once every 6 months – I decided to look for alternatives.
DrPlus – Youtube Video
Those interested in seeing some hands-on footage of the NCTF + Microfractional treatment can watch the video below:
DrPlus – NCTF 135 HA Skinbooster Treatment
While I was at DrPlus for my Collagen Plus Facial, I noticed a big banner that promoted NCTF 135 HA, and asked Dr. Kenneth about it.
He explained that the Fillmed NCTF 135 HA was known as the “Chanel Skinbooster” due to its desirability, and is an immensely popular treatment in Korea that was recently introduced to the Singaporean market. It reduces fine lines and aids in hydration and redensification, and is known to have rapid effects.
Although both are considered skinboosters, there are several key differences between Rejuran and NCTF 135 HA. For one, Rejuran comprises mainly of one ingredient (polynucleotide from Salmon DNA), while NCTF is made from a complex blend of 53 different ingredients, including 6 minerals, glutathione, 6 coenzymes, 23 amino acids, 12 vitamins, 5 enzymes, and hyaluronic acid. Secondly, Rejuran mainly aids skin rejuvenation, which is the key benefit of polynucleotide. However, as NCTF is made from multiple ingredients, it also has multiple benefits, such as moisturising, brightening, aiding fine lines, and even improving skin texture. As such, which skinbooster for you depends on your personal needs. If you’re looking for better skin elasticity and bouncy skin, then Rejuran would be a better option. However, if you’re searching for moisturisation, brighter skin tone, Korean “glass skin” look, then NCTF would be more appropriate.
DrPlus now has another clinic on Level 4 – a testament to its success. I underwent the NCTF treatment at the new Level 4 clinic, and found the main treatment room (pictured above) to be more spacious than the one on Level 3.
First, the therapist cleanses my face to ensure that there’s no oil and gunk, before commencing the treatment.
As mentioned above, skinboosters are traditionally administered using an injection gun. However, if you’re averse to needles like me, you can request for the skinbooster to be delivered topically instead. In this case, DrPlus will use a DEP (DermoElectroPoration) device, which uses electric currents to permeate the skinbooster deep into the skin.
As compared to the injector gun, the DEP device is significantly more tolerable. It barely feels like anything at all, even without numbing cream. The only side effect is temporary redness of the skin, which dissipates in 10-15 minutes. Although it’s a relatively new device, it’s FDA-approved and is increasingly being offered in aesthetic clinics as an alternative to needle-based treatments.
After the treatment, the therapist applies sunscreen and moisturiser, allowing your skin to continue with the rest of your day protected and hydrated. You can also see from the photo above that by the end of the treatment, the skin redness has largely dissipated.
DrPlus – Microfractional Laser Treatment
The next time I swung by, Dr. Kenneth recommended that do a combination treatment of the NCTF skinbooster and a ‘microfractional laser treatment’.
Essentially, this treatment uses the traditional fractional laser device (which is typically used to alleviate acne scarring), but at a much lower energy setting to deliver micro-injuries instead. As such, the recovery time is significantly shorter – just 2-3 days, as compared to a week for traditional fractional laser treatments.
If you’re looking for acne scar treatments but do not want the lengthy downtime of traditional ablative procedures, the microfractional laser treatment is a potential alternative due to its shorter downtime. There is a tradeoff – the lower energy setting also means a lower efficacy rate, so more sessions are required (which costs more time and money). Still, it’s an interesting alternative, and I’ve yet to see this option offered at other aesthetic clinics.
After the microfractional laser treatment, the NCTF 135 HA skinbooster is then applied onto the skin using the DEP machine. As there are already microinjuries in the skin, the NCTF 135 HA skinbooster is absorbed into the skin quicker and deeper, amplifying its effects.
After the procedure, the skin develops a mild redness that’s akin to being sunburnt. In my personal experience, the redness lasted for about 2-3 days, with daily moisturisation (hydrating masks and creams are especially helpful) a must. The recovery period is shorter than my previous Pico laser experience, with the redness significantly less obvious as well.
Conclusion – so DrPlus NCTF Skinbooster Treatment “shiok” or not?
Definitely so. While I understand the mantra of “no pain no gain”, I certainly appreciate comfort during treatments as well. And in that regard, DrPlus shines. Both the DEP and microfractional laser treatments were significantly more comfortable than my previous aesthetic experiences, and with shorter downtimes too. And as for the NCTF 135 HA skinbooster itself, I definitely can attest to its efficacy. I found its hydration and skin toning effects to be more beneficial than Rejuran, and I believe it’s the better choice for younger men who are more concerned about acne scarring and pores, rather than sagging skin and wrinkles. Its only downside is that it’s slightly pricey (it’s slightly more expensive than Rejuran in the local market), but hey – they don’t call it the “Chanel” skinbooster for nothing.
Those interested in the NCTF 135 HA Skinbooster can quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy a $399 trial price for DEP administration (U.P. $599), and a $599 trial price for the traditional injector gun method (U.P. $899). Readers can also enjoy the microfractional laser treatment at a trial price of $98 (U.P $198). Should you choose to sign up for further sessions after the trials, readers also get an exclusive 20% discount on regular treatment prices, which also extends to other treatments such as Botox, HIFU, Threadlifts, etc. In addition, DrPlus also has its own line of cosmetic products (called The Collagen Doc), three of which – the Hydro Plus Premium Mask, the Hydro White Serum, and the Botanical Collagen Beverage – are up for the annual Daily Vanity awards. It’s quite cool to see DrPlus competing against big brands, and once again it’s a testament to how far this clinic has come over the past year. Voting for the awards closes on 31st Jan, so do vote if you’re interested! I’ve personally tried the products, and particularly love the Hydro Plus mask – I put them after laser treatments to recover faster, and it really helps.
Book a Skinbooster appointment here.
View the full list of DrPlus’ treatments here.
DrPlus’ location: 160 Robinson Rd, #03-10 SBF Medical Suites, Singapore 068914
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
